Jakarta – The Indonesian national futsal team is set to compete for it’s first-ever AFC Futsal Cup championship this Saturday, February 7th, after a stunning 5-3 semifinal victory over Japan on Thursday. The historic win at Indonesia Arena marks a turning point for the program, fueled by the leadership of Head Coach Hector Souto and a determined squad[[[[[1]]]. Indonesia will face a formidable opponent in Iran as they aim to cap off their notable tournament run on home soil.
Jakarta –
The Indonesian national futsal team has reached the final of the 2026 AFC Futsal Cup, continuing their impressive run in the tournament and signaling a new era for the program. Head coach Hector Souto is driving Indonesia toward international competitiveness.
In a historic first, Indonesia advanced to the championship game of the AFC Futsal Cup after a thrilling 5-3 victory over Japan in the semifinal held at Indonesia Arena in Jakarta on Thursday, January 5, 2026. The win sends shockwaves through the competition and establishes Indonesia as a serious contender.
Indonesia controlled much of the play, fueled by a brace from Samuel Eko and an own goal by Japan’s Takehiro Motoishi. Japan battled back with goals from Motoishi and Kazuya Shimizu, but couldn’t contain the Indonesian attack.
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Indonesia regained the lead through a goal by Firman Adriansyah, but Japan responded with a penalty converted by Shimizu, tying the match at 3-3 at the end of regulation. The Indonesians then found another gear in extra time, securing the win with goals from Reza Gunawan and Dewa.
Following the hard-fought victory, Hector Souto emphasized his commitment to elevating Indonesian futsal to the international stage. “We are trying to push the limits of Indonesia to an international standard, I think we are doing it now, but we want our fans to also understand that we are the same, win or lose, it means we always try our best, so sometimes we will succeed, sometimes we will not succeed,” Souto explained during a post-match press conference at Indonesia Arena, Jakarta, on Thursday, January 5.
The Spanish coach also acknowledged the quality of their opponent.
“For example, today Japan, I think they are a great national team, I have been following them in international matches, they have great players and very good tactics and they play very fast with very good modern ideas from coach Kensuke, I really respect him,” he added.
“But sport is like that, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose,” he concluded.
In the 2026 AFC Futsal Cup final, Indonesia will face Iran at Indonesia Arena, Jakarta, on Saturday, February 7. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM WIB.
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